A New You: God's "Survival kit" for stress and worry

The line between the land and the water blurred as I walked along the beach. A heavy fog at the shoreline seemed to flow through the morning air. I walked further, and my thoughts turned to a letter I had received from a dear reader. She wrote to me and described how she was consumed and tormented with stress, fear, and anxiety.

The cycle of negative thoughts and worry are destructive forces that can keep us from fulfilling the great, predestined purpose that God has laid out for our lives. We must not let worries and fears get in the way of the life that is meant for us. If we spend our days diverted, upset and stressed out, letting everything affect us, then we won't have time to focus on what's really important and enjoy life's utmost blessings.

I remember how one afternoon, I got into my car so I could pick up the children from school and turned the key to start it. But the car didn't move. The engine raced. It made a lot of noise. Yet, I couldn't go anyplace. After that, I realized that the car was still in park. I never shifted the car into drive! Similarly, worrying is like that experience, it doesn't get you anywhere. Worrying cannot solve difficulties, change the past, nor control the future. Furthermore, constant worry can exaggerate issues. For the more we review in our minds, over and over again, what we are worried about, the bigger the matter can become.

Are there situations in your life that are robbing you of your peace of mind? How many hours daily do you spend worrying? In the Bible, God tells us how to be in peace. Isaiah 26:3 says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

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When Jonah was in the belly of the great fish, he focused on God and uttered, "When I had lost all hope, I turned my thoughts once more to the Lord," (Jonah 2:7) and God provided a means of rescue.

Therefore, when you wake up each morning, keep God foremost in your mind. Then, during the day, ponder upon God's presence and know that He is with you wherever you go. If something happens that causes you worry, refuse to give in to it. Do not measure problems according to your own abilities. Instead, hand situations that you cannot manage yourself over to God ... and He will do the rest.

God is all-powerful. Turn to Him:

* There is nothing too big or so broken that He cannot renew and restore. "...those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31).

* He can move the immovable. "...if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move." (Matthew 17:20).

* God can do the impossible. "Everything is possible for him who believes." (Mark 9:23).

* He can turn the word 'no' into 'yes,' and make a way for victory. "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." (Proverbs 16:3).

* And you cannot only regain what you have lost, but in addition, God will give you much more. "I declare that I will restore double to you." (Zechariah 9:12).

So get your mind off your worrisome circumstances and look towards God. Cast your cares on Him, for He will intervene, meet your needs and bring all things together for your highest good. It is only a matter of time before circumstances turn around. You are near to the success you seek.

I recall how a friend of mine left her profession in the fashion industry to be a stay-at-home mom. But she and her husband discovered that one paycheck would not be enough, and she would soon have to return to work. Rather than worrying, my friend focused on God and turned to Him for guidance, asking specifically for 'a career where she could work from home.'

Months passed, and because she wasn't apprehensive, she got a terrific idea, and confidently pursued it. My creative friend did not allow all the negative predictions about a shrinking economy to stop her from going forward with her new business concept, for waiting on God is a matter of continuity. Thus, she remained at peace with her decision and prayed as often as possible. Daily, she concentrated on the positive outcomes she truly desired, while centering her attention on enjoying each day of her precious life.

My friend's brainchild took time and effort, and there were many ups and downs. Yet, she patiently stuck with it, and her dream came to fruition. Now, while her children are at school, she works in her home office manufacturing beauty products. With one innovative idea acted upon, and steadfast focus, the desires of her heart were granted. Just as God opened the window for my friend, He can open the window for you, too.

The sky brightened at the beach that day, and I caught a glimpse of the late-morning sun. As I started my trajectory home, I thought about a quote my daughter gave to me that read: "God has no phone, but I talk to Him daily. He has no Facebook, but He is still my friend. He does not have a twitter, but I still follow Him."

Rest in God's care, timing and sovereign purpose. And you'll be led to truer happiness and greater fulfillment. God will be with you always, as you follow Him.